Plant of the day; Passion Vine

February 22, 2011

Passion Vine, (Passiflora x alatocaerulea) is a frost tender vine used in the Tucson area for a summer display of four inch, fragrant flowers. It is not hardy in Zone 10 (Green Valley). The vine attaches itself to surfaces and trellis’s using tendrils. The flower color ranges from pink to white, lavender to deep blue or purple. Some varieties of Passion Vine form fruit, however this one does not.

Treat Passion Vine much like you would Bougainvillea. It prefers a warm south facing wall out of the wind and full sun. One vine can cover 20 feet of trellis, so be prepared and provide a strong structure.

Since Passion Vine freezes to the ground every winter, it will require regular pruning. Wait until early spring to do so to protect the roots or tender new growth from a late frost. If attacked by caterpillars, use Bt (Bacillius thurengenensis) instead of insecticide.